“90210”
Tuesday 9pm, CW
“90210” version 2.0 had a rough freshman year, as it struggled to live up to unrealistic hype. Some stuff worked, as Silver, Adrianna and Naomi are great new characters, and old-school cast member Jennie Garth has done a great job reprising her role of Kelly. But a lot has also failed miserably, like almost the entire male cast, the gross misuse of Jessica Walters and a bunch of uninspiring plotlines. But as we hurtle toward the end of Season 1, things are looking up. Cast changes are in the offing—Dustin Milligan is out as Ethan, and there’s rumored to be a death in the prom finale. Donna Martin is back. Naomi has a hot new boyfriend, a bitchy sister in the wings and a renewed grudge with obnoxious Annie. And new showrunners are looking to take things in a totally different direction next year. I’m curious to see where they go, but not nearly as curious as I am about the new “Melrose Place” relaunch next fall…
“Daisy of Love”
Sunday 9pm, VH1
As I write this, washed-up rocker Bret Michaels has just selected his third “Rock of Love,” boring centerfold model Taya. But not that long ago he was ditching living sex doll Daisy De La Hoya to run off with wax-faced Ambre. Now Daisy’s back and looking for love (or some kind of compensation after being assaulted by Heather at the “RoL2” reunion—awesome). She gets to choose from 20 bohunks who are pretty much exactly what you’d expect—lots of tattoos, lots of gravity-defying hair, lots of faux-rocker posing—and one surprising suitor: 12 Pack from “I Love New York” and “I Love Money.” So this would make his third reality show for VH1. Oh, 12 Pack. You’re better than this. Anyone is better than this.
“Chuck”
Monday 8pm, NBC
Tonight’s Season 2 finale could be the last go-’round for hapless computer-nerd-turned-unwilling-spy Chuck Bartowski. Even though the action-comedy has a solid, if smallish, fan base, it’s in a precarious position due to NBC’s baffling decision to put Jay Leno on air every weeknight at 10pm come fall. That means five hours of programming are off to the scrap heap, and since “Chuck” has never been a buzz show and has been hit by “Heroes”’ spectacular ratings swan dive, it’s in serious danger.
